Effect of curing temperature conditions on glass transition temperature values of epoxy polymer used for wet lay-up applications

The effect of temperature curing conditions of the glass transition temperature of the epoxy polymer used for externally bonded strengthening system applied by wet lay-up methods is investigated. This study only focusses on polymer used for wet lay-up applications. DSC and TMA allow the evaluation of the time-temperature dependence of the epoxy polymer. Structural reinforcement by thermosetting polymer matrix composites is more favourable in summer, the period of high temperature. The thermal properties are considerably enhanced while curing at a high temperature. If the temperature of the surrounding environment is low, reinforcement can be accelerated by using a heating device. The higher temperature of curing reduces the time required to achieve a higher glass transition temperature value while guaranteeing a high degree of crosslinking. Additionally, the crosslinking of the epoxy resin is found to be an irreversible process.